Eyewear including a docking station

ABSTRACT

Eyewear is provided including a frame and an electronic docking station. The docking station may be configured to provide power to a docked electrical component, such as a camera, an audio player, a video player, etc. The electrical component docked into the docking station may provide a power source. The eyewear may also include an electro-active lens and/or a heads up display.

RELATED PATENTS AND APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/261,035, filed Oct. 28, 2005, and claims the benefit of provisionalapplications 60/623,946 filed Nov. 2, 2004, and 60/636,490 filed Dec.17, 2004, all of which are hereby incorporated herein in theirentireties by reference.

The following applications, provisional applications, and patents areincorporated by reference in their entirety: U.S. application Ser. No.11/232,551 filed Sep. 22, 2005; U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,670 issued Jul. 19,2005; U.S. application Ser. No. 11/183,454 filed Jul. 18, 2005; U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/692,270 filed Jul. 21, 2005; U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/687,342 filed Jun. 6, 2005; U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/687,341 filed Jun. 6, 2005; U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/685,407 filed May 31, 2005; U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/679,241 filed May 10, 2005; U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/674,702 filed Apr. 26, 2005; U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/673,758 filed Apr. 22, 2005; U.S.application Ser. No. 11/109,360 filed Apr. 19, 2005; U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/669,403 filed Apr. 8, 2005; U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/667,094 filed Apr. 1, 2005; U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/666,167 filed Mar. 30, 2005; U.S. Pat. No. 6,871,951issued Mar. 29, 2005; U.S. application Ser. No. 11/091,104 filed Mar.28, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/661,925 filed Mar. 16,2005; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/659,431 filed Mar. 9, 2005;U.S. application Ser. No. 11/063,323 filed Feb. 22, 2005; U.S. Pat. No.6,857,741 issued Feb. 22, 2005; U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,805 issued Feb. 8,2005; U.S. application Ser. No. 11/036,501 filed Jan. 14, 2005; U.S.application Ser. No. 11/030,690 filed Jan. 6, 2005; U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/996,781 filed Nov. 24, 2004; U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/623,947 filed Nov. 2, 2004; U.S. application Ser. No. 10/924,619filed Aug. 24, 2004; U.S. application Ser. No. 10/918,496 filed Aug. 13,2004; U.S. application Ser. No. 10/863,949 filed Jun. 9, 2004; U.S. Pat.No. 6,733,130 issued May 11, 2004; U.S. application Ser. No. 10/772,917filed Feb. 5, 2004; U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,799 issued Sep. 16, 2003; U.S.application Ser. No. 10/664,112 filed Aug. 20, 2003; U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/627,828 filed Jul. 25, 2003; U.S. application Ser. No.10/387,143 filed Mar. 12, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,203 issued Feb. 11,2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,391 issue Dec. 10, 2002; U.S. Pat. No.6,491,394 issued Dec. 10, 2002; and U.S. application Ser. No. 10/263,707filed Oct. 4, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Over the past decade, the miniaturization of semiconductor chips,sophisticated earphones, non-volatile solids memory, and wirelesscommunication eluding blue tooth, and other short-range wirelesstechnologies) have ushered in a revolution in personal electroniccomponents and audio listening devices that allows wearers to listen tomusic in a portable, hands-free manner. In addition, recent research anddevelopment has resulted in the development of accessories and featuresfor eyeglasses such as, by way of example only: electro-active spectaclelenses which provide the wearer with variable focus capability,electro-active spectacle lenses that allow for a varying index matrixneeded to correct higher order aberrations to create a supervisioneffect, electronic heads up displays that are associated with eyeglasses, electrochromic lenses that change color and tint by way ofelectrical activation, and also the addition of audio and communicationsystems that are associated with eyeglasses. These new electroniceyeglass applications have created a significant need for a convenient,comfortable and aesthetically pleasing way to provide power to theeyeglass frame and lenses. More and more, the eyeglass frame is becominga platform for associating and housing various electronic accessories.Currently, there is no known way to electrify the eyeglass frame in amanner that provides a combination of pleasing aesthetics, comfort,convenience, and also allows for the proper ergonomics. While comfort,convenience and ergonomics are important, the proper fashion look of theeyeglass frame is what takes priority when the consumer makes a purchasedecision. If the eyeglass frame is thicker or more bulky looking thannormal, then the purchase decision can be impacted in a negative manner.In addition, if the eyeglass frame is heavier than normal, red inflamedsore spots will occur on either side of the bridge of one's nose or thetop of the ears. In the case of active work or sports, such as, by wayof example only, construction work, running, biking, walking, rowing,and horseback riding, the heavier eyeglass frames are, the more pronethey are to slide down ones nose, and thus the alignment of the lensoptics will not be optimal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides an inventive solution, whichaddresses and corrects aspects of the foregoing needs. The presentsubject matter may do this in a manner that is allows for the eyeglassframes to continue to appear like conventional fashionable eye glassframes whether they be dress glasses, sport glasses or goggles, securityglasses or goggles, sunglasses or goggles. It may also take the addedweight of the power source off of the eyeglass frame and place thisweight where it is barely noticed if at all. Finally, it may providesuch advantages in an ergonomic and convenient manner.

According to first aspects of the invention, eyewear comprising anelectronic docking station may be provided, whereby the docking stationprovides power to a docked electrical component.

According to further aspects of the invention, eyewear comprising acamera may be provided, whereby the camera is controlled by a remotecontroller.

According to further aspects of the invention, eyewear comprising aheads up display may be provided, wherein the heads up display is housedin a visor affixed to the eyewear.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the followingdescriptions taken in conjunction with the following drawings, althoughvariations and modifications may be effected without departing from thespirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention can be more fully understood by reading thefollowing detailed description together with the accompanying drawings,in which like reference indicators are used to designate like elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary eyewear system according to aspects ofthe invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary eyewear system in which allenclosure contains both a power source and an electronic controlleraccording to further aspects of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary eyewear system, including detailsof conductor connections, according to further aspects of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary eyewear system in which acontroller and power source are connected directly to the frame templesaccording to further aspects of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an enclosure including a power source according tofurther aspects of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an enclosure including a power source and acontroller according to further aspects of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary tether attached to eyewear frameaccording to further aspects of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates details of an edge connection using magneticattraction according to further aspects of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates details of an attachment design whereby the templecontains conductive wiring according to further aspects of theinvention.

FIG. 10 illustrates details of attachment of a tether using a clampaccording to further aspects of the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates another exemplary eyewear system including amagnetic connection to the frame temple or frame stem according tofurther aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate another exemplary eyewear system according tofurther aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate another exempla eyewear system, including anoptical viewing visor, according to further aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 14A-14G illustrate another exemplary eye near system, includingadjustable lenses, according to further aspects of the invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates an electronic chain according to further aspects ofthe invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates an electronic chain with a pair of electronicreading glasses according to further aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 17A-17D illustrate another exemplary eyewear system, including anelectrical tether containing audio signals from a music player,according to further aspects of the invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates alternative configurations for breaking connectionsof eyewear such as shown in FIGS. 17A-17D, according to further aspectsof the invention.

FIGS. 19A-19B illustrate further embodiments including one or moretemple connectors, according to further aspects of the invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates another exemplary eyewear system, including audioconnectors, according to further aspects of the invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiments in which two electronic conductivebuses or wires run along the inside wall of an electronic frame stem ortemple according to further aspects of the invention.

FIG. 22 illustrates another exemplary eyewear system, including a fan2210 in the bridge of an electronic frame, according to further aspectsof the invention.

FIG. 23 illustrates another exemplary eyewear system, including aself-contained electronic clip-on module, according to further aspectsof the invention.

FIG. 24 illustrates another exemplary eyewear system according tofurther aspects of the invention.

FIG. 25 illustrates another exemplary eyewear system, including anelectronic device placed on the back portion of the electronic frametether, according to further aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 26A-26B illustrate another exemplary eyewear system, includinglights placed near the front of the frame, according to further aspectsof the invention.

FIGS. 27A-27B illustrate another exemplary eyewear system, including anelectronic docking station placed on the back portion of the electronicframe tether, according to further aspects of the invention.

FIG. 28 illustrates another exemplary eyewear system, where the back ofthe electronic frame tether forms a T shape, according to furtheraspects of the invention.

FIG. 29 illustrates another exemplary eyewear system, including anelectronic device attached to the back of the electronic frame tetherthat may be controlled with a handheld remote controller, according tofurther aspects of the invention.

FIG. 30 illustrates another exemplary eyewear system, including a remotecontroller, according to further aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 31A-31B illustrate another exemplary eyewear system, including acamera that is controllable by a remote controller, according to furtheraspects of the invention.

FIGS. 32A-32C illustrate another exemplary eyewear system, including aclip on heads up display, according to further aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 33A-33D illustrate another exemplary eyewear system, including aclip on heads up display and/or camera, according to further aspects ofthe invention.

FIG. 34 illustrates another exemplary eyewear system, including clip onmonocular attachments, according to further aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 35A-35D illustrate another exemplary eyewear system, including aclip on visor outfitted with a micro-optical display and associatedviewing optics, according to further aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 36A-36C illustrate another exemplary eyewear system, including avisor fitted with a micro-optical display and associated viewing opticsand attached to a frame about a pivot point, according to furtheraspects of the invention.

FIG. 37 illustrates another exemplary eyewear system, including a 3Dviewing arrangement, according to further aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 38A and 38B illustrate other exemplary eyewear systems, includinga break-away magnetic hinge with electrical contacts, according tofurther aspects of the invention.

FIG. 39 illustrates an exemplary reconfigurable eyewear system,including removable parts, according to further aspects of theinvention.

FIG. 40 illustrates another exemplary eyewear system, including opticaldisplays placed within a visor, according to further aspects of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the invention will be described. Asused herein, any term in the singular may be interpreted in the plural,and alternately, any term in the plural may be interpreted to be in thesingular.

Electro-active materials comprise optical properties that may be variedby electrical control. For example, transmission of light may becontrolled to produce tinting or a sunglass effect. Further, the indexof refraction may be electrically controlled to produce focusing and orprismatic effects. One class of electro-active material is liquidcrystals. Liquid crystals comprise a state of aggregation that isintermediate between the crystalline solid and the amorphous liquid. Theproperties of liquid crystals may be controlled electrically, thermally,or chemically. Many liquid crystals are composed of rod-like molecules,and classified broadly as: nematic, cholesteric, and smectic.

There are several characteristics of electro-active materials which areuseful. First, the optical characteristics may be generated by thinlayers rather than by the curvature of conventional lenses which mayrequire thick lenses). In addition, it is possible to stack (place inseries optically) the electro-active layers in such a manner as to getan additive effect for the overall optical power created, includingprism, conventional refractive error, or higher order aberrationcorrection, in a thin structure.

Second, the optical characteristics may be actively controlled. Forexample, an electro-active lens may be designed to become darker (moretinted, and transmit less light) under bright light conditions. Thistinting may be generated automatically by measuring the brightnessusing, for example, a photodiode or solar cell. Alternately, the tintingmay be controlled by the decisions of the user by way of a remotecontrol.

Similarly, the focus of an electro-active lens may be controlledelectrically. The focus may be controlled automatically using, forexample, a range finder, or a tilt meter, or triangulation based on thedirection of both eyes. Alternately, the focus may be controlled by thedecisions of the user by way of a remote control.

Third, electrical control creates the potential for correcting complexand high order visual defects. Conventional lenses are limited toaddressing certain visual defects for various manufacturing reasons.However, an electro-active lens with a large number of individuallyaddressable controlled small elements (for example, an array of verysmall pixels) may address very complex and high order visual defects.Further, the control may be simplified by creating individuallyaddressable elements in arbitrary configurations, such as a series ofconcentric circles, or a series of approximately concentric ellipsis, orwhatever customized configuration efficiently corrects the visualdefect. The design, manufacture, and control of an array of small pixelshas similarities with the manufacture of Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs).Correction of complex visual defects such as higher order aberrations ofthe eye creates the possibility of “superhuman” visual acuity, whereinthe vision is not limited by the lenses (either biological orcorrective), but rather is limited by the inherent anatomy and physicsof the photoreceptor cells in the retina. 20/10 vision or better ispossible even before additional magnification is considered. Further, itis possible for an electro-active lens to act as a telescope or as amicroscope.

Fourth, electrical control creates the potential for changing theoptical characteristics of the electro-active lens as desired. Forexample, the optical characteristics of the lens may be varied overtrine to compensate for changes in the user's eye.

Fifth, there are many types of electro-active element configurations.These configurations include: pixelated (typically a two dimensionalarray of pixels similar to a liquid crystal monitor on a computer),rotationally symmetric pixelated (for example, a set of concentriccircles), and diffractive. Electro-active individually addressablepixelated diffractive lenses may use concentric ring shaped electrodesto product the diffractive lens power with varying index of refractionwithout physically machining, molding or etching diffractive elementsinto the surface of the lens.

The electro-active element may be used in combination with aconventional lens, wherein the conventional lens may provide a baserefractive power. The electro-active element may be used in combinationwith a diffractive lens having a machined, molded, or etched surface orgeometry. The electro-active element may be used in combination with asecond electroactive element, wherein each may perform a differentfunction. For example, the first electroactive element may providefocus, and the second may provide tinting or may serve as anelectrically controlled aperture, or the second could cause a prismaticshift of the image to the healthy area of a retina of a deceased eye.

Shown in FIG. 1 is a diagram of the invention showing a pair ofeyeglasses which can be mechanically and electrically coupled to anelectronic lens feature, by way of example only, an electro-chromiclens, electro-active lens, microoptical display or heads-up displayaffixed to a spectacle lens or frame. The invention is designed in sucha way that the electrical power source, by way of example only, batteryor miniature fuel cell, in certain embodiments is stored in a pocket orenclosure that is connected to a tether, cord, chain or Croakie, whichis then connected to the eyeglasses. In other embodiments of theinvention the accessory or feature is connected to the tether, cord,chain or Croakie, but no pocket or enclosure is utilized.

The invention improves upon the conventional eye class chord, chain orCroakie by modifying it to allow for not only being uses as a means ofsecuring the eye glass frames to ones head, but in addition to providefor a means away from the eye glass frame to house or support the powersource, and of course electrical connections. The invention furtherprovides for of loading certain electrical accessories and features fromthe eyeglass frame, as well as the electrical connections to bedetachable and re-attachable to the eyeglass frame in a very convenientand user-friendly manner. In one application of the invention,electrical connections are provided within the temple pieces of theglasses that allow the electrical signal (digital or analog) to travelto the lens by way of electrical conductors located internally in theframe. In another inventive embodiment, the electrical connectors arelocated on the outer surface of the temple and applied, by way ofexample only, with an adhesive film. In this case, the connectors arebuilt into the film and then the film is affixed to the temple ortemples. In still other cases, the connectors are applied directly tothe frame and then covered by the adhesive film, which then connects tothe lens.

The invention shown in the figure provides an electronic enabling tetherthat contains a power source such that it can be securely hung from therear of the frame temples and be allowed to extend down to the wearer'supper back, just below the neck. The power source, in some embodiments,can be further secured to the wearer's back by: locating it under theshirt, using, by way of example only, an adhesive patch, Velcroapplicator, snap, or clamp to adhere the unit to the wearer's back orshirt. Securing in this way prevents the unit from flopping around whilethe wearer is walking, jogging or engaged in some other athleticexercise or active work. When the invention is affixed to either one'sbody or shirt it should have enough length to allow the wearer to bendtheir head down at the neck without unduly tightening or pulling tautlyon the audio unit. In most cases the power source is small andlightweight enough to be confined solely within the inventive tether.Therefore, it is not necessary to affix the enabling tether to one'sbody or shirt, etc.

In certain embodiments, elastic or rubber fittings are used to securethe inventive electronic enabling tether to the temple or temples. Theseembodiments may allow for a notch or grove to be placed or built intothe temple. In certain other embodiments, the end of the temple ortemples provides for a circular fastener, which may or may not beconductive, to which the invention is secured using, by way of exampleonly, a clip.

The inventive electronic enabling tether is connected mechanically andelectrically to the frames in a removable fashion. The inventiveelectronic enabling tether in certain embodiments utilizes a magnetconnecting means. In other embodiments, no magnet is used. One suchembodiment where a magnetic connector is used allows thr the tether tobe separated at some point near the mid-line of the tether for easyremoval. In other embodiments, the tether is magnet catty connected tothe temple by way of a magnet attraction/receiving member that is builtinto the temple connection device, such as by way of example only, anelastic, plastic, or metal fastener that connects the tether to thetemple or eyewear frame. In certain cases where power is being suppliedto the eyewear, the magnetic connection device also serves as anelectrical conductor to provide the electrical connection from theinventive tether to the eyewear (lenses and/or frame). The power sourcecontained within the electronic tether can be either rechargeable or nonrechargeable, in which case it will need to be readily accessible orremovable within the tether to be changed from time to time.

The spectacle lenses can be constructed to contain a micro-opticaldisplay that is visible to the wearer, located in a fixed space in sucha manner as to not obstruct the central vision area of the lenses. Inthis version, an audio unit is replaced or enhanced by additionalelectronic capability to supply video or informational data. Forexample, if the unit contained a cell phone or PDA, emails can betransmitted to the micro-optical display or telephone calls can betransmitted to earphones. In this second function, a microphone wouldhave to be added into the spectacle frames near the nose bridge to allowfor two-way communication. The inventive electronic enabling tetherprovides the needed power and the potential offloading capability fromthe eyewear of items that need to be electronically connected but do notneed to reside on the eyeglass frame or lenses.

Thus, the invention contained herein solves a pressing and growing needof enabling electronic frames in a manner that allows for theproliferation of various electronic applications that are now beingapplied to eye wear. It does this while preserving the fashionaesthetics, comfort and ergonomics of the electronic eyeglasses ascompared to the current popular conventional non-electronic eyeglasses.

When reading about the inventive embodiments disclosed herein, it shouldbe pointed out that the words “stem or temple” have the same meaning inwhat is disclosed herein as do the words clip-on and snap-on. A clip-oncan be either monocular (attaching to one eyewire or one half of theframe front) or binocular (attaching to both eyewires or the completeframe front). Further, the electronic tether can be affixed to hingedtemples, hinge-less temples, the frame front, or for that matteranywhere on the eyewear. The term eyewear is meant to be interpretedbroadly, and may include one or more of a frame, lens, tether, and/orclip-on. The tether is considered a: electronic tether when anelectrical connection is affixed to it or travels within it. A temple isconsidered to be an electronic temple if an electrical connection isaffixed to it or travels through it. A frame is considered to be anelectronic frame if an electrical connection is affixed to it or travelsthrough it. A lens is referred to as an electronic lens when electricityaffects the lens' optical power or tint. A lens can be that of afixed/static lens or a dynamic focusing electronic lens. The word tetherincludes that of a Croakie, chord, chain, and connecting attachment fromone temple to another. Clip-ons can be that of electronic when anelectrical connection is associated with the clip-on or non-electronicwhen no electrical connection is associated with the clip-on. Tints canbe that of an electro-chromic tint, a photochromic tint, or a fixedimbedded tint.

In FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is shown. A pair ofspectacles 100 is shown with a frame 110; attached to the frames is atether 120, which connects to the frame near the rear of the stems 180,181. A cross-sectional view through the center of the stem center 150shows two conductors 160, 161 running through the frame stems or templesto provide electrical power from the power source inside the enclosure130 to the electronic controllers 170, 171 located on each lens 140,141. The details of attachment will be addressed in subsequent drawings.It should be pointed out that the enclosures can be made from any numberof materials including hut not limited to cloth, fabrics, plastic, oreven foam rubber. In the case of cloth fabric, the access to the powersource inside the enclosure may be via a Velcro™ strip cover. Suchaccess or pockets are well known in the art. In the case of plastic, theenclosure may be done with a sliding door.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention where theenclosure 230 now contains both a power source and an electroniccontroller designed to control a pair of lenses. In such cases,depending on the type of electrically activated lenses being used,multiple electrical conductors 260 will need to be run through thetether and through the frame stems as shown in the detailed section ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 3 illustrates yet another embodiment where by the controller/powersource in the enclosure 230 is connected to the frame with an adhesivestrip or conformal film 310, 310 on each side of the frame 110. Thedetail in FIG. 3 illustrates two conductors 360, 361 running inside thefilm 310 to provide power to the controllers 170, 171 on the lenses140,141. In this embodiment almost any frame may be used to providepower to the electro-active lenses.

FIG. 3 also illustrates how the two conductors may make contact with thecontroller on the lens. In this case, small holes are drilled near thecontact points for the controller power on the lens. The wires are thenplaced in each hole and secured with as electrically conductiveadhesive, such as, by way of example only, epoxy or acrylic filled withsilver or other metallic flakes or powder. Such conductive adhesives arewell known in the art. The wires are strain-relieved by virtue of theadhesion of the strip to the frame stem or temple (not shown in FIG. 3for clarity of electrical attachment details).

FIG. 4 illustrates yet another embodiment where by the controller/powersource in the enclosure 430 is connected directly to the frame temples440, 441 to provide power to the controllers 170, 171 on the lenses140,141. In this embodiment the tether 420 may need to be longer. Thisembodiment may be totally frame-independent and may be preferable forfemale wearers.

FIG. 5 illustrates the details of the enclosure described above wherethe enclosure 510 includes a power source or battery 530. A sliding door520 allows for access into the enclosure for changing the power source.Electrical conductors 540, 541, 542, 543 provide power to the lensesthrough the tethers 570, 571. The tethers are secured to the housing ofthe enclosure with strain reliefs 560, 561 an that any tension in thetether is applied to the outer covering of the tether and not theconductors inside the tether. The power source is connected to terminalblocks 550, 551 that mike connection to the four conductors. Finally, aclip 580 is attached to the enclosure to secure the enclosure to a partof the clothing such as the collar of a shirt. Many types of powerenclosures for small electronic devices are known in the art, and whilethe inventor has illustrated an example herein, other designs areanticipated and would be considered within the scope of the presentinvention. It should be pointed out that the enclosures can be made fromany number of materials including but not limited to cloth, fabrics,plastic, or even foam rubber. In the case of cloth or fabric the accessto the power source inside the enclosure may be via a Velcro™ stripcover.

FIG. 6 illustrates the details of the enclosure described above wherethe enclosure 610 includes both a power supply 620 and a controller orcontrol circuit 640. The power supply 620 provides power to thecontroller 640 via two conductors 630, 631. The controller then providesdrive signals to the lenses via multiple conductor bundles 650, 651 thatreside inside the tether sleeves 660, 661. The number of conductors ineach bundle will depend on specific requirements for the particular typeof electrically activated lenses that a that are placed in the frame.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment for attaching the tether to the frame.In this case an elastic member 705, slides into a groove notched in theframe stein. Each side of the groove is connected to the controller 710via small wires 720, 721. The sides of the grooves are isolated from oneanother with an insulator or gap (not shown). The tether 750 containsthe two conductors 740, 741 coming from the power source, and on eachside of the tether a contact point 730 is placed to establish electricalcontact o each side of the grove. By shaping the tether such that itscross section is roughly triangular, proper polarity can be maintainedupon connection. Further, the rubber nature of the elastic member andtether sleeve can act as a strain relief and avoid damage to theconductors inside the tether.

FIG. 8 illustrates a connection mechanism utilizing magnetic attraction.In this case the controller 810 is electrically connected to two contactpoints 820, 821 via ultra thin wires or ITO buses. The contact pointsare surrounded by a tiny steel plate (or other material having goodmagnetic properties) 830 with small cut-outs to avoid shorting out thetwo contact points. Meanwhile; the tether 860 has a small but powerfulmagnetic plate 840 attached to its ends. Within the magnetic plate aretwo holes that contain contact points 850, 851 to the two conductorswithin the tether. In this manner the attraction of the steel plate tothe magnetic plate force both a physical and an electrical connectionfrom the tether to the lenses. The front side of the magnetic plate canbe painted or coated with a finish that is similar to the frame finishso that the connection is cosmetically acceptable to consumers. Whilethis type of connection has been shown at the lens surface, a similarconnection can be made at any point on the tether if so desired. Itshould also be pointed out that this inventive connection can also belocated on the surface of the frame as opposed to that of the lens, inwhich case a further connection would be made to the lens. Moreover,while the shape was illustrated as a rectangle, other geometries couldbe used where appropriate and would be considered within the scope ofthe present invention. Also, the magnetic connection could be usedexclusively as a mechanical connection to a tether as opposed to onethat always provides electrical connectivity.

FIG. 9 illustrates an attachment design whereby the temple containsconductive wiring and is designed for a rimless mounting of the lenses.In this case the controller 910 has contact points 920, 921 that aresemicircular and are located about the location for a through hole 930that will be drilled through the lens as part of the mounting process.The frame temple 940 has a loop with two conductive contact rings 950,951 that attach to each of the two conductive wires 970, 971 within theframe temple. Finally, a screw 960 can be used to hold the lens to thetemple 980 of a rimless/hingeless frame made from high strength metalssuch as titanium (which is widely used in the fabrication of hingelessframe), while establishing the electrical connection. Either the hole inthe lens can be tapped with threads or a small bolt (not shown) can beplaced on the back of the lens for fastening. In the case of thisembodiment, it is possible to conduct electricity over the full orpartial length of the temple to the tens without having any connectionsa or through the frame hinges, as no hinges are needed.

FIG. 10 illustrates attachment of the tether using a clamp. Again, thecontroller 1010 has con act points on the lens 1020, 1021 near a flange1030 on the outer perimeter of the frame. The tether 1060 has a clamp1040 (in this case a v-shaped clamp) that contains two conductivecontact points 1050, 1051 for providing power to the lens once thetether is in place. Additionally, a tilt switch 1080 may be used tobreak the electrical connection from one of the two conductive wires1070, 1071 as part of a control mechanism for electro-active lenses usedfor, by way of example only, correcting presbyopia.

FIG. 11 illustrates a magnetic connection to the frame temple or framestem. In this case electrical contact points 1120, 1121, within themagnetic tab 1130 on the tether 120 make electrical contact to the twobus bars 1150 1151 on the frame stem 1140. Two insulated bus bars on theframe stern may be used to prevent shorting of the power source whenmaking contacts.

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate yet another embodiment where the spectacles maybe powered and controlled. In FIG. 12A, a power supply and/or controller1210 is connected to a pair of spectacles via two connection points1220, 1221 on the frame stems 1240, 1241 to cables or tethers 1230, 1231running from the power supply/controller. The details in FIG. 12Billustrate a combination of pins 1260 and holes or receptacles 1261 inaddition to magnetic contacts 1263, 1264. The side view in FIG. 12Cillustrates the conductors 1267, 1268 within the tether 1231 or 1230coming from one side of the connection point with pins, and conductors1265 1266 within the frame stems 1240, 1241 with receptacles 1261. FIG.12D shows, as added mechanical security, a rubber flap 1280 with anexpandable small slit or hole is mounted to the tether 1230, 1231 andslides over a pin 1290 mounted on the frame stems 1240, 1241.

FIG. 13A illustrates another embodiment. In this case a visor 1310 isadded to a pair of sports goggles with an optical display viewer 1250,where said viewer is used to display important information to theindividual in training, in this case, the pace, the heart rate, and thedistance left in the race. This allows the runner to check his criticalinformation without having to break stride to look at a wrist-worndevice as is normally done today. The controller may also include asmall camera 1360, which would allow the user to view what is behindthem in the optical display viewer 1250. FIG. 13B illustrates theembodiment of FIG. 13A as a clip-on device. Here the clip-on 1380includes the micro-optical display that is powered and fed data viaattachment to the frame 1370. Attachment may be via any of the methodsdescribed herein.

FIGS. 14A-14G illustrate embodiments where any electronic lens, by wayof example only, an optically variable and/or focusing lens as is thecase of an electro-active, electro-fluid, electro-pressure,electro-mechanically moving lens system, and also that of anelectro-chromic tinted lens, etc.) may be snapped over or clipped ontothe front of a conventional pair of lenses 1430 that may contain thepatient's conventional distance Rx. This can be accomplished by eitheraffixing the electronic clip-ons to the lenses 1430 or to the frames1420. Since the distance Rx will take into consideration any astigmaticcorrection, the placement of the electronic lens, such as by exampleonly, an electro-active focusing optic, can be more forgiving regardingits orientation within the frame. Such an electro-active lens isdescribed in the following patents U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,391, U.S. Pat.No. 6,491,394, U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,203, U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,799, U.S.Pat. No. 6,733,130 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,741. Moreover, this wouldgreatly reduce the complexity of providing electro-active focusingcorrection where both the distance and near correction are required.

By decoupling the fixed lens from the electro-active lens, anelectro-active focusing lens product could be offered with far fewerSKUs. In fact, the invention anticipates having a limited line ofelectro-active focusing electronic clip-ons that have presetdecentrations. By way of example only, the electronic clip-ons could beavailable with near vision inter-pupillary measurements of 63 mm, 60 mmand 57 mm, as shown in FIGS. 14D-14F. The proper clip-on would beselected depending upon the patient's near vision inter-pupillarymeasurement. Until the electro-active lenses are activated byelectricity, there is no near optical power and therefore, the baseconventional lens 1430 contained within the eye glass frames 1420provides the patient's distance vision/inter-pupillary measurement setwithin the eyewear 1420 and functions properly for distance vision.However, when the electronic clip-ons now become activated, theelectro-active lenses focus for intermediate or near vision. Theresulting inter-pupillary measurement then becomes the selectedelectronic clip-on having a preset inter-pupillary measurement. In thismanner the optician may order the appropriate decentration for theoptics within the electronic clip-on based on his measurement of thepatient's inter-pupillary distance.

While the above discussion was directed to electro-active focusing nearand intermediate lenses, it should be pointed out that the inventioncontemplates electro-active lenses that are full or partial pixellatedlens(es), full or partial diffractive lens(es) or a combination of both.In addition, the invention contemplates the electronic clip-ons orelectronic snap-ons that house an electroactive lens or lenses thatcorrects for only higher order aberrations. The electronic orelectronic-snap on would be used to allow the patient to see better than20/20, perhaps better than 20/10 by correcting his or her higher orderaberrations. In this case, the inter-pupillary measurement would be setfor one's distance vision needs. This proper inter-pupillary measurementwould be properly established by way of the location of the higher orderaberration correction location within each clip-on lens. It should bepointed out that in this inventive embodiment the clip-on correcting thepatient's higher order aberration(s) can be that of either a fixedstatic non-electronic lens or that of an electronic pixelated lens.

The power source and/or controller 1450 is attached to the electrifiableframe temple 1410 in any of the manners described herein. The electronicsnap-on or electronic clip-on device 1460 containing the electro-activeelements 1470 is slightly over-sized to that of frame 1420 so that theside of the conventional lens is covered from view by a person lookingat the side of the frame. FIG. 14B illustrates the snap-on device 1460in place over the frame with at least one electrical contact 1490 beingmade from the frame to the electro-active element 1470 within thesnap-on device 1460. The connection to the frame may also be done withmagnets. These magnets can be contained within the frame 1420 and/or inthe electronic clip-on 1460. The magnets can be positioned to attach theelectronic clip-on 1460 to the frame 1420 either at the top, bottom,front, middle, sides or any place on the frame 1420 or the electronicclip-on 1460.

FIGS. 14C-14D further illustrate the inventive embodiment of using anelectronic clip-on that attaches to an electronic conducting frame topower electro-active lenses 1488 and 1489. A pair of spectacles 1481designed to be used with a pair of electronic clip-on lenses 1485 isshown. In this case, the electronic frame may include a power source1482 located anywhere on the electronic frame.

Connection points 1483, 1484 that are either mechanical of magnetic arelocated on the electronic frame 1481. The electronic clip-on lenses 1485also include connection points 1486 and 1487 similar to the ones on theelectronic frame. The electronic clip-on lenses may includeelectro-active lenses 1488, 1489 for electronic focusing to supplementthe focusing power of the fixed lenses 1495, 1496 located in theelectronic frame 1481. In other inventive embodiments, the electroniclenses may be electro-chromic lenses that create a variable,electronically-controlled tint or a combination of an electro-chromictint and electro-active focusing lenses to either correction higherorder aberrations, provide presbyopia correction, or focus forconventional needs, for that matter.

The details in FIG. 14G illustrate two possible electrical connectionsusing magnetic physical attachment means. In one case a single magnet1490 is placed in the connection point and a positive 1491 and anegative 1492 electrical terminal connection are placed inside themagnet 1490. The same configuration would be used on both the electronicframe 1481 and electronic clip-on lenses 1485. Alternatively, since mostmagnetic material can also be electrically conductive, the physicalconnection can be done with a split magnet, where one half-of-the magnet1493 forms the positive electrical terminal 1493 and the other half 1494forms the negative electrical terminal. In this case, the half-magnetswould need to be electrically insulated from each other. While FIGS.14A-14G illustrate what amount to essentially temporary attachment ofelectrically activated lenses, the electronic clip-ons could bepermanently affixed to the frame by any number of methods includingadhesive bonding, for example.

FIG. 15 illustrates an inventive electronic chain 1510 that could beworn by women in association with electronic reading glasses. In thiscase, in addition to loops 1520 and 1521 to connect the chain to theframe, this chain has multiple decorative beads 1540 thru 1547, any ofwhich may comprise a power source for powering an electro-activespectacle. The shape and design of the decorative beads or jewelry issuch to hide the power source that is contained within. Magnets 1530,1531 may be used to establish electrical connection as describedearlier, or other mechanical connections as described herein may also beemployed.

FIG. 16 illustrates an electronic chain with a pair of electronicreading glasses 1260 that may include electro-active lens functions. Theelectronic reading glasses in this case may be worn behind the head 1610when not in use. In this inventive embodiment a powersource/controller1630 designed to look like a decorative locket or any other piece ofjewelry may be placed in front of the wearer 1640 when the glasses arenot required. In this manner the wearer can have a decorative necklacewhen reading glasses are not required. Further, if the reading glasseshave electrical functionality, then the power and/or control isavailable.

FIGS. 17A-17D illustrate embodiments whereby small earplug speakers 1730and 1731 are connected to an electrical tether containing audio signalsfrom a music player or other audio device 1710 via slides 1720 and 1721.Details in FIGS. 17B and 17C illustrate alternative center attachmentsto those-currently used in the art. FIG. 17D illustrates a chargershaped like-a human nose, that can be used to charge the battery for thecontroller stored in the enclosure on the tether. By plugging both oreither end of center connections into the nose shaped charger thebattery can be recharged. This would eliminate the need for chargingelectronics in the controller that is worn behind the neck. It should bepointed out that the invention contemplates the audio device 1710 beingthat of, by way of example only, an Apple iPod®, MP3 player, AudioCassette, Satellite Radio, conventional radio, pager, cell phonetransceiver, micro-DVD or digital video file player, video transceiver,etc.

FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative inventive method of breaking theconnection in the device described in FIG. 17. In this case theconnection is done on one side of the electronic spectacle frame witheither magnets 1820 as shown in FIG. 18B, or with a pin 1840 and areceptacle 1830 as shown in FIG. 18C.

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate additional attachment embodiments. In FIG.19A, a single connection point is made with a pin on one side of thefront of the spectacles. In this case, it can be on the front, back,side, top, or bottom. However as shown in FIG. 19A, the preferredattachment in this embodiment is on the bottom of the electroniceyewear. In FIG. 19B the electronic frame is shown where connectionslike the ones illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19A may be made on both sidesof the front of the spectacles.

FIG. 20 illustrates further embodiments similar to that described inFIG. 17, whereby the connection point 1950 is in the back of the deviceas opposed to the bridge of the spectacles. It should be pointed outthat in each of these cases of FIGS. 17A-17D, 18, 19A, 19B, and 20, themanner in which the electronic connection is made can allow forcharging, and can allow for an easy manner of putting on and taking offthe inventive electronic eyewear disclosed herein.

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment whereby a housing 2010 is used tostore extra audio cable 2030 for the earplug 2020 on a spring loadedspool 2040. In this manner the length of the audio cable can be adjustedfor different users. Moreover, this would also allow the wearer to stilluse the audio features of the invention while not wearing theirelectronic eyewear on their face, for example, when they are justletting the electronic eyewear hang over their neck.

FIG. 21 illustrates an inventive embodiment whereby power and/or audiosignals may be sent down the inside wall of an electronic frame stem ortemple 2100. Two electronic conductive buses or wires 2110 and 2120 runalong the inside wall of the electronic frame stem or temple 2100. Amagnetic or metal strip capable of magnetic attraction 2120 runs downbetween the two buses. In this manner, power or audio can be provided toa device connected to the electronic frame stern or temple. As analternative to magnetic connection, a track system similar to tracklighting may also be used to secure attached devices to the electronicframe stem or temple. This method of electrical connection andmechanical connection may also be used on the electronic chains andelectronic tethers described in the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an inventive embodiment where a small fan 2210 isplaced in the bridge 2220 of an electronic frame to blow cool air overthe inside surfaces of the lenses 2231 and 2230 to prevent foggingduring sports activities. To date most efforts to mitigate fogging havebe marginal. While there are antifogging solutions that can be appliedto the lens surface, depending upon the level of activity, the fit ofthe eyewear, and the ambient temperature when the glasses are worn,lenses still fog and thus create visual problems for wearers. Sinceelectrical power will be available with the present inventive eyeweardescribed herein, an electrically powered fan would solve the foggingproblem y effectively. In this case the air flow is directed by thedesign of the frames bridge to flow to the fog affected areas of thelens. In most cases this area is the most nasal, inside, sections of thelens. The invention anticipates external deflectors and internalchannels that direct the air from the fan. Alternatively transparentconductive heating elements fashioned from a transparent conductivelayer, such as, by way of example only, ITO or conductive polymer, maybe placed in the lens and could be used to drive fog off the lenses inconditions where fogging is likely to occur.

FIG. 23 illustrates a self-contained electronic clip-on or electronicsnap-on that may be used in spectacles or sports goggles. In thisinventive embodiment the electronic clip-on would include a powersupply. Controller 2310 in the center portion of the clip 2320 forcontrolling and powering the electro-active elements 2331 and 2330. Inthis inventive embodiment, the self-contained electronic clip-on can beused not only to pourer the electronic lenses contained within theelectronic clip-on but also that of other electronic features containedwithin the electronic frames or the inventive self contained electronicclip-on can be used to solely power the electronic lenses, by way ofexample only, electro-active focusing lenses or electro-chromic lensesthat are housed within the electronic clip-on.

It should be pointed out that nearly all the inventive embodimentsdescribed herein can be made to work with rimmed frames, rimless frames,hinged temples, and hingeless temples. Also, the present inventiondescribed herein could also be used with Clic Goggles™ that utilizenon-electronic eyewear that joins together at the frame bridge to form aframe from two separate eyewear pieces that are connected by way of atether in the back. This tether secures the Clic Goggle eyewear to oneshead after the two eyepieces are attached at the bridge. Additionally,the present invention includes electronic and non-electronic connectionsmade by magnetic means, mechanical means, utilizing pins and frictionfits and other physical connection techniques, including the combinationof magnetic and mechanical connections.

FIG. 24 illustrates an inventive embodiment/hereby a pair of spectacles2400 similar to the branded Clic™ spectacles is redesigned to providepower to electronic lenses, by way of example only, electro-chromicsunglasses, electroactive focusing lenses, or electro-activesuper-vision lenses that correct for higher order aberrations. In thisembodiment, a power source, by way of example only, a battery, fuelcell, solar panel) is placed in an enclosure 2410 that is attached tothe back portion of the electronic frame tether 2430. The power can beturned on or off with a small switch 2420 on the enclosure. Two pairs ofconductors 2440 and 2441 extend from the power source inside theenclosure 2410 to provide power to whatever type of electronic lens isplaced in the front portion of the electronic frame 2431.

The electronic stem or temple on the front portion of the electronicframe 2431 is sized to fit into the stem on the back portion of theelectronic frame tether 2430. In the Clic™ product, the stems or templeson the front portion of the frame are solid plastic. In the presentinvention, these stems or temples become electrical stems or temples andneed to be either hollow to allow for the conductors 2440 and 2441 to beextended down to the lenses, or electronic connections can be applied tothe external surface of the stems or temples as taught in FIG. 3.

The conductive pairs may be as long as the fully extended length of theelectronic frame stems or temples and may be flexible so that they donot break or crack when the front stems are pushed all the way into theback electronic frame stems or temples. A similar set of mechanicallocks (not shown) can be placed in the electronic frame sterns ortemples to hold the position of the front frame stems or temple sectionsto that of the back frame stems or temples sections. The presentinvention may join together at the bridge of the nose with any number ofmethods described herein, including magnets 2450 and 2451.

Utilizing the inventive embodiment allows for a continuous end-to-endelectrical circuit that is never disconnected when the electroniceyewear is taken off and decoupled. In this inventive embodiment, theelectrical connection to either the speakers, the electronic lenses orthe electronic clip-ons remains intact. When utilizing a product wherethe connection is in the front eyewear bridge, two monocular electronicclip-ons may be used. In this case, each monocular electronic clip-on isapplied separately so that it is possible to decouple the eyewear in thebridge without having to take off the clip-on first. However in stillother embodiments, a one piece binocular electronic clip-on is used andwhen this occurs the binocular clip-on may be removed prior todecoupling the eyewear.

FIG. 25 illustrates yet another inventive embodiment whereby anelectronic device 2510 is placed on the back portion of the electronicframe tether 2430. Types of devices that may be placed on the back ofthe electronic frame tether include, by way of example only, an MP3player like the Apple iPod®, a small terrestrial radio, a smallsatellite radio, or a small cell phone or paging device. Small buttons2530, 2531 and 2532 may be placed on the outside of the electronicdevice to control it. For example, one button might change the volume ofthe sound sent to each earplugs 2520 and 2521 attached to the electronicdevice through the electronic frame sterns or temples. Other buttonscould be used to change the track that is being played on an audiodevice. Any number of functions may be addressed via numerous buttonsplaced on the outside of the electronic device 2510. In the case wherethe small electronic device is a cell phone, the earplugs could befitted with microphones (not shown) to allow the user to send talk intothe cell phone. In-ear, microphones are well known in the cell phoneaccessory art. Also, in the case of a cell phone, it would beadvantageous to use voice recognition to perform dialing and otherfunctions normally done on a keypad, since the cell phone will be behindthe users head in the present invention.

FIG. 26A illustrates an inventive embodiment whereby two small lights2610 and 2611 are placed near the front of the frame close to the lensesto provide reading light in dark places such as restaurants. This isparticularly important for wearers who suffer from presbyopia. Thelights would be powered by the power sources described in the discussionof FIG. 24. Attachment of the conductive pairs to the light sourcescould be done with any of the methods described above, including simplysoldering the wires to the two terminals of the light source. Lightsources may include by way of example only, small incandescent lightbulbs or LEDs (preferably white). It should be pointed out that thebattery or power source can be also placed anywhere in the electroniceyewear so long as it makes the proper electrical connection with thelight source. One preferred eyewear style utilized with the inventivelights would be that of electronic readers or reading glasses. However,this inventive application can be utilized for all kinds of electroniceyewear.

FIG. 26B illustrates a similar inventive embodiment as FIG. 26A exceptin this embodiment, the light sources 2610, 2611 are powered by smallbatteries 2690, 2691 placed in the front portion of the frame stems.

FIG. 27A illustrates an inventive electronic docking station 2710 placedon the back portion of the electronic frame tether 2720. The electronicdocking station includes at least one pair of power terminal contacts2730, and at least one audio (stereo or mono) or video connection port2740. The electronic docking station also has a charging port 2750 wherea standard charger could be connected for recharging the power sourcelocated in either the electronic docking station, or the electronicdevice 2705 that is to be placed in said electronic docking station orboth.

While the electronic docking station in this inventive embodiment waslocated on the back portion of the frame tether, the docking stationmight also be located anywhere that makes sense on the frame, forexample on the frame stem or temple. Once again it should be pointed outthat any electronic audio and/or video device can be fabricated tofunction within the electronic docking station. These could be, by wayof example only, an Apple iPod®, MP3 player, tape cassette, satelliteradio, conventional radio, pager, cell phone transceiver, microDVD orvideo file player, video transceiver, etc.

FIG. 27B illustrates a possible wiring diagram for the docking stationshown in FIG. 27A. In FIG. 27B, a shielded or unshielded wire 2770provides audio signal to the right earplug, while wire 2771 providesaudio for the left earplug. Please note that the audio ground/shieldwires were not shown tier simplicity of illustration; however, propergrounding and shielding of audio signal wires is well known by thosenormally skilled in the audio art. Wires 2773 and 2774 provide power outto right lens, while wires 2775 and 2776 provide power out to the leftlens. Wires 2777 and 2778 provide connection to the power terminals 2730to the charging port 2750. In this case, power is provided by the powersource on the docked electronic device. Alternatively, power could beprovided by a power source on the docking station, which would result ina slightly different wiring arrangement.

FIG. 28 illustrates an inventive embodiment whereby the back of theelectronic frame tether 2810 forms a T shape. At the bottom of the Tshape, a connection point 2850 is available for attaching the electronicdevice 2805 to the electronic frame tether electrically andmechanically. A pouch 2840 is also attached to the bottom of the T tosupport the electronic device 2805. A strip of Velcro™ or double-sidedtape lot shown) may be placed on the front side of the pouch so that thepouch and the electronic device enclosed therein may be affixed to theback of the wearer's shirt, thus removing any pull or heaviness of thedevice being hung on the electronic frame tether. Also as shown in FIGS.5 and 6, a clip may be used to affix the pouch to the clothing beingworn.

FIG. 29 illustrates an inventive embodiment where the electronic device2910 attached to the back of the electronic frame tether may becontrolled with a handheld remote controller 2950 that can be held inthe wearer's hand. This would allow the user to control the electronicdevice without having to reach behind his or her head. This device maycommunicate via any number of known shortrange wireless technologiesincluding, but not limited to, blue tooth, WiFi, or 802.11 protocol. Thehand-held remote controller 2950 may include a small display 2960 toprovide information regarding the status of the electronic device on theelectronic frame tether. The communication between the hand held remotecontroller and the electronic device may be one-way or two-way dependingupon the nature of the electronic device. In the case of one-waycommunication, it is most likely that the hand-held controller wouldcontain a transmitter and the electronic device would contain only areceiver. In the case of two-way communication, both devices would haveeither a transceiver or a transmitter and a receiver.

FIG. 30 illustrates another inventive embodiment for remote controland/or communication with the electronic device 2910 placed on the backof the electronic frame tether 2920. In this case, the remote controldevice is that of an electronic wristwatch 3050 that not only acts astime-piece, but also functions as an effective means of controlling theelectronic device 2910. It would work in a similar fashion as describedabove, except it would have the added advantage of being worn on thewrist. This would be particularly important for sports goggleapplications where the wearer is likely to be a runner or a jogger. Onceagain, it should be pointed out that the device 2910 can be by way ofexample only, any audio and or video device such as an Apple I iPod®,MP3 player, cassette, satellite radio, conventional radio, pager, cellphone transceiver, micro-DVD player, etc.

FIG. 31A illustrates another embodiment for remote control and/orcommunication with the electronic camera or video camera 3110 placed onthe back of the frame tether. This case the remote control device is awristwatch 3150 that allows the wearer to snap photographs or to takevideos of whatever he or she is looking at. A fiber optic bundle 1420 inthe frame stem 1430 would pipe an image to the camera 3110 that wasfocused into the bundle by an external camera lens 3140. In this manner,a person could walk about and never need to reach into their pocket orpocket book to find their camera. It should be pointed out that thecamera lens 3140 can be located anywhere on the electronic eyewearincluding the electronic tether. Also, multiple camera lenses could beused with a still camera or a video camera. Finally, the electroniccamera or video could be utilized within the electronic clip-ondescribed earlier this disclosure.

FIG. 31B illustrates an embodiment whereby the video or still camera3160 is located directly on the front of the frame or lens, and thevideo signal travels down a video cable or a data bus 3170 back to thecontroller for storage.

FIG. 32 shows yet another inventive embodiment of the invention. In thisinvention the electronic dip-on or snap-on 3210 houses a heads updisplay 3230. The heads up display can be that of a partial or full VGAor other available format. In the case of the preferred embodiment, apartial VGA display is utilized. In this case, when the electronicclip-on is applied to the electronic eyewear it will enable themicro-optical display housed within or on the electronic clip-on.Published patent application WO 01/06298 A1, incorporated here byreference, teaches a micro-optical display utilized with eyewear. Theinventive electronic clip-on contained herein allows for a much moresimplified way to position the micro-optical display within in the lineof sight and also to electrically enable the micro-optical display. Itshould be pointed out that such a micro-optical display can be utilizedwith or without any electronic lens housed within the electronicclip-on. A clip on with magnetic attachment is illustrated in FIGS. 32Band 32C.

In certain other inventive embodiments, a mirror optical splitter isincluded within the lens housed by the clip-on and an optical image isdirected through the lens house within the clip-on where it opticallycommunicates with the optical splitter housed within the lens. In thiscase the clip-on allows for a virtual image to appear as if it isfloating in space in front of the wearer.

FIGS. 33A thru 33D show how the inventive electronic clip-on orelectronic snap-on 3230 can remain connected at the top of theelectronic eyewear 3310 to which it is attached but rotate uphorizontally or pivot out of the way, using a hinge or pivot 3350attached to a clip 3340. In this case, when wearing the inventiveembodiment contained within FIG. 33B of a heads up display, the displaycan be positioned out of the way when it is not being utilized. Also asshown in FIGS. 33C and 33D, the inventive electronic clip can house acamera which can be positioned out of the way when not being utilized.

FIG. 34 illustrates clip-ons or snap-ons that are attached as monocular.In this case, monocular clip-ons 3430 and 3440 are attached to the right3420 and left 3410 side of the split frame. In practice however, such adesign could be used on a frame that did not break or separate at thenose bridge. Attachment in either case can be mechanical, magnetic, or acombination of the two. FIG. 35 illustrates a clip on visor outfittedwith a micro-optical display and associated viewing optics.

FIG. 36A illustrates an inventive embodiment wherein a Sunblade™ typevisor 3620 is fitted with a micro-optical display and associated viewingoptics 3630 and attached to a frame about a pivot point 3650. Theillustration in FIG. 36A is that of the visor in the up positionallowing the user to look straight ahead without having their viewobscured by the visor and or the micro-optical display and/or the visor.FIG. 36B illustrates the visor in the down position allowing the wearerto look through the viewing optics to see the micro-optical display.FIG. 36C illustrates a side view of three different positions for thevisor as worn by the user.

FIG. 37 illustrates the use of two micro-optical displays and associatedviewing optics 3720 and 3730 for producing 3D viewing by the wearer.Since each eye will be positioned in front of ifs own micro-opticaldisplay, there will be no need to worry about isolating left eye andright eye images provided by the video player 3710 in producing a 3Deffect for the user.

FIG. 38A illustrates another inventive embodiment of the presentinvention. The details of a break-away magnetic hinge with electricalcontacts are shown. The frame 3810 which would house the electro-activeeyewear contains two magnets 3820 and 3821 that are electricallyisolated from one another with an insulating ring or cylinder 3830.Contact points 3822 and 3823 are made on or within each magnet toprovide contact to the wires 3824 and 3825 that power the electroactivelens that resides in the frame (frame side for patient's right eyeillustrated in the figure). The temple side of the frame 3840 includescontact points 3841 and 3842 to metallic and or magnetic surfaces 3843and 3844, which are also electrically insulated from one another with aninsulating ring 3850. The two contact points 3841 and 3842 provideelectrical contact to the wires 3845 and 3846 that run up the frame stemto the power supply and/or controller attached to the back of the frametether.

This inventive embodiment allows one to make electrical connectionsthrough a frame hinge without actually running wires through the framehinge. It also allows one to break the frame from the temple to placethe frame and frame tether over one's head. In practice the break-awaymagnetic frame hinge can be placed on both sides of the frame or on justone side of the frame. In the cases where the break-away magnetic framehinge is used on just one side of the frame, the other side of the framemay include a conventional frame hinge or no frame hinge. While thebreak-away magnetic frame hinge has been illustrated with electricalconnectivity, it is understood that the break-away magnetic frame hingemay be used for non-powered lenses and as such would only require asingle magnet on either frame or temple for both sides) of the framehinge. Alternatively the electrical connections could be made withoutusing the magnets as electrical contacts. In this case a single magneton either the frame or temple side of the hinge could be used as long asthe electrical contacts are properly insulated from one another.

It is should be noted that the invention contemplates the placement ofthe magnet on the temple and the metal hinge piece on the frame front asshown in FIG. 38A.

FIG. 38B illustrates an embodiment wherein, the cylinder shaped magnet3875 is placed on the frame stern temple 3840 instead of the frame 3810.In this case, a hollow cylinder 3870 with an internal metallic surfacethat is attracted to the cylinder shaped magnet 3875 is placed on theframe. This is also illustrated without electrical conductive wires,since applications for such a breakaway frame hinge exist where noelectrical power is used. It should be pointed out that both thecylinder shaped magnet 3875 and hollow cylinder may be made of magneticmaterials; or only one piece need be magnetic as long as the other ismade from a metal that can be magnetized and thus attracted by a magnet,for example ferrous metals, such steel or iron.

In another inventive embodiment of the invention, an electronic tetheris used in association with a frame having two breakaway magnetichinges, one for each side of the frame front. In this embodiment themagnets are located on the breakaway stems and the electronic tether isconnected to the rear of each stem. It should be pointed out that themagnet breakaway hinge could be used for electronic eyewear ornon-electronic eyewear. Also, those active individuals such as athletesand children will benefit greatly by having eyewear with breakawayhinges. Further, this inventive embodiment solves a nuisance that hasbeen prevalent within the optical industry for decades, that being hingescrews that come loose or fall out.

The inventive embodiment solves this historical problem by doing awaywith the hinge screw and replacing it with a magnet. While the preferredshape of the magnet is that of cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 38A,it could be of any shape that would provide the functionality that isneeded. This inventive embodiment allows for the wearer to simply detachthe frame front from their eyewear and then connect the two stemscontaining magnets together, forming a necklace with a magnetic closure.This can be done while maintaining the functionality of the electronictether. In other words, while the electronic tether and stems areconnected by the magnetic closure, the electronic tether plus the stemsbecome a necklace and can be used to play audio to the wearer. By way ofexample only, the MP3 player could remain functioning and using theadjustable ear speakers or ear phones as shown in FIG. 20A it ispossible to simply adjust for more speaker wire and thus utilizespeakers in each ear while wearing the magnetically closed necklace. Itshould be pointed out that that the magnets can be used in any manner toaccomplish this embodiment. By way of example only, a single hingemagnet can be used on each stern or one hinge magnet can be used on thestem and one on the opposite frame front where the other hinge connects,etc. It is further contemplated that the two magnetic ends of the tethercan be attached to an independent locket that would be attachable anddetachable to each of the two magnetic ends thus dressing up thenecklace.

Finally, it should be pointed out that the structure to which the magnetof a magnetic hinge is attracted or attached to can be of any shape toprovide the proper functionality. By way of example only, it can be anopen cylinder (see FIG. 38A, open cylinder 3844 and FIG. 38B, 3870), aclosed cylinder having both ends open, one open and the other closed.The magnet can be housed within a structure to hide or dress up themagnet. The structure, by way of example only, could simply be a metalfacade that is around the magnet, thus hiding the magnet but allowingthr the magnetic affect to still contribute the proper functionalityneeded for a magnetic hinge.

FIG. 39 illustrate an inventive embodiment that allows the wearer to usethe electrified tether with the integrated audio player 3910 as afashion accessory when his or her eyewear is not needed. In FIG. 39 thespectacle frame 3920 with lenses are removed and placed in a pouch orcase (not shown). A decorative pendant, broach, or necklace element 3930is then attached to the two ends of the tether that were once connectedto the spectacle frame. In this manner the wearer may continue to usethe audio device while not using their spectacles. In the case of FIG.39 the two ends of the tether are connected by magnets 3950 and 3960 tothe spectacle frame via magnets 3955 and 3965, and to the decorativependant via magnets 3970 and 3975. However, the invention anticipatesany type of satisfactory closure means, such means are well known in theart.

FIG. 40 illustrates an additional embodiment where a pair ofmicro-optical displays 4010 and 4020 are placed within a visor on a pairof spectacles. In this case, the micro-optical displays are placedmostly in the back of the visor and the front of the micro-opticaldisplays are nearly flush with the front surface of the visor, closestto the wearer. Also FIG. 40 shows the embodiment with a integrated MPG3player and earplugs 4030 and 4040.

While the inventors have illustrated many specific examples of how toprovide power and/or drive signals to an electrically activated lensusing an electronic tether or an electrified frame, it is understoodthat other methods may be contemplated by those ordinarily skilled inthe art. Such additional methods or designs are considered within thescope and spirit of the present invention. It is also understood thatthe various features, while shown in separate illustrations, could beused in any number of combinations and stilt be within the scope of thepresent invention.

In some embodiments, while electro-active lens may be used to providevision correction as described in the present invention, theelectro-active lens may also be used to provide a sunglass or tintingeffect electro-actively. By using special liquid crystal layers or otherelectro-chromic materials, the electro-active lens of the presentinvention can reduce the amount of light that hits the retina when thelight levels in the environment become uncomfortably high, or reach alevel that can be dangerous to the eye. The sunglass effect may betriggered automatically when a light sensor built into the lens receivesan intensity of light beyond some threshold level. Alternately, thesunglass effect may be switched remotely by the user using a wirelesscommunication device couple to the control circuitry in the lens. Thiselectro-active sunglass effect may occur in milliseconds or less, incontrast to the relatively stow reaction time of seconds (or more) forcommercial photosensitive chemical ting in conventional lenses. Onefactor in determining the reaction time of electro-active lenses is thethinness of the liquid crystal layer. For example, a 5 micron layer ofliquid crystal may react in milliseconds.

Similarly, the focusing of the electro-active elements may be performedautomatically by using a range finder, or a tilt meter (near distancewhen looking down, far distance when looking straight), or may becontrolled remotely by the user using a wireless communication device.

There are a number of electro-chromic materials. One type consists oftransparent outside layers of electrically conductive film that hasinner layers which allow the exchange of ions. When a voltage is appliedacross the outer conductive layers, ions move from one inner layer toanother, causing a change in tinting of the electro chromic material.Reversing the voltage causes the layer to become clear again. Theelectro-chromic layers can have variable light transmittance duringoperation, from about 5 to 80 percent. This type of electro chromicglazing has “memory” and does not need constant voltage after the changehas been initiated. Farther, it can be tuned to block certainwavelengths, such as infrared (heat) energy.

Another electro-chromic technology is called suspended particle display(SPD). This material contains molecular particles suspended in asolution between the plates of glass. In their natural state, theparticles move randomly and collide, blocking the direct passage oflight. When switched on, the particles align rapidly and the glazingbecomes transparent. This type of switchable glazing can block up toabout 90 percent of light. Also liquid crystal has been used to provideelectro-chromic effects in sunglasses.

The systems and methods, as disclosed herein, are directed to theproblems stated above, as well as other problems that are present inconventional techniques. Any description of various products, methods,or apparatus and their attendant disadvantages described in the“Background of the invention” is in no way intended to limit the scopeof the invention, or to imply that invention does not include some orall of the various elements of known products, methods and apparatus inone form or another. Indeed, various embodiments of the invention may becapable of overcoming some of the disadvantages noted in the “Backgroundof the Invention,” while still retaining some or all of the variouselements of known products, methods, and apparatus in one form oranother.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. Eyewear comprising: a frame; and an electronicdocking station, wherein the docking station is configured to providepower to a docked electrical component.
 23. The eyewear of claim 22,wherein an electrical component docked into the docking station furtherprovides audio.
 24. The eyewear of claim 22, wherein an electricalcomponent docked into the docking station further provides video. 25.The eyewear of claim 22, wherein an electrical component docked into thedocking station further provides a power source.
 26. The eyewear ofclaim 22, wherein the docking station is configured to connect with apower charger.
 27. The eyewear of claim 22, wherein the dockedelectrical device is configured to connect with a power charger.
 28. Theeyewear of claim 22, wherein the docking station is located on theframe.
 29. The eyewear of claim 22, wherein the docking station islocated on a temple of the eyewear.
 30. The eyewear of claim 22, whereinthe electrical component comprises a transceiver.
 31. The eyewear ofclaim 22, wherein the electrical component comprises a MP3 player. 32.The eyewear of claim 22, wherein the electrical component comprises aradio.
 33. The eyewear of claim 22, wherein the electrical componentcomprises a cell phone.
 34. The eyewear of claim 22, wherein theelectrical component comprises a video player.
 35. The eyewear of claim22, wherein the electrical component comprises a camera.
 36. The eyewearof claim 35, wherein the camera is configured to capture a photograph.37. The eyewear of claim 22, further comprising a light.
 38. The eyewearof claim 37, wherein the light is an LED.
 39. The eyewear of claim 22,further comprising a lens, wherein the lens is at least one of:conventional, electro-active, electro-chromic, electro-fluid,electro-mechanical, and optically variable.
 40. The eyewear of claim 23,further comprising an earbud, wherein the audio is provided to a wearerby way of the earbud.
 41. The eyewear of claim 40, wherein the earbud isaffixed to an audio cable, and wherein the audio cable is containedwithin the eyewear on a spring loaded spool.
 42. The eyewear of claim22, further comprising a heads up display.
 43. The eyewear of claim 42,wherein the heads up display is monocular.
 44. The eyewear of claim 42,wherein the heads up display is binocular.
 45. The eyewear of claim 22,wherein the electrical component is configured to be controlled by aremote controller.
 46. The eyewear of claim 22, wherein the eyewearseparates at the bridge.
 47. The eyewear of claim 22, wherein electricalpower provided to the electrical component is provided by a power sourceof the docked electrical component and by another power source of theeyewear.
 48. The eyewear of claim 22, further comprising a tether,wherein the tether includes a power source.
 49. The eyewear of claim 22,further comprising a video file player.
 50. The eyewear of claim 22,wherein the docking station comprises a female receptacle.
 51. Theeyewear of claim 22, wherein the electrical component comprises a maleelectrical prong.
 52. The eyewear of claim 22, wherein the electricalcomponent comprises a male electrical pin.